Thursday, February 9, 2017

Many parents to avoid measles rubella shots for kids

Unconvinced by the clarifications offered by the state government about the positive effects of measles rubella (MR) vaccine
on children, several parents here have preferred to avoid the
vaccination for their children. The union government had chosen Tamil
Nadu as one of the few states to roll out the vaccination for
measles-rubella to replace measles vaccination from February 6 when a
month-long drive would be launched.

With just over a couple of days left for the commencement of the
vaccination programme, parents of several children in government,
government-aided and private schools have raised objections to the
drive. While they cite possible adverse effects as reason, a message
against the vaccination on WhatsApp has also added to the confusion. The
programme is intended for children in the age group of nine months to
15 years in schools and anganwadi centres.

"While some are happy with the vaccination, many have opposed it and
don't want to be compelled. As academicians, we cannot offer technical
explanations to the parents about the efficacy of the vaccine. It is for
the health department to allay fears in this regard. Unfortunately,
they are not coming forward to conduct awareness programmes despite our
appeal," said principal of Vasavi Vidhyalayam Matriculation School in
Trichy T Paavai.

Even after state health minister Dr C Vijaya Baskar
clarified that there will be no side effects, people have been
remaining circumspect. Hence, the health department has asked schools to
get consent from the parents for the vaccination. "As told by the
health department, we are sending letters to the parents. They are
mostly opposing it. They believe the rumour on WhatsApp and feel that
the government is trying to achieve a target," said correspondent of Jegan Matha matriculation school in Trichy R Sahayaraj.

However, the medicos are endorsing the vaccination as a good one. " This
confusion is because of false propaganda against the vaccination. The
health department should go to the schools and explain it to the
parents," said president of Trichy chapter of Indian Academy of
Pediatrics (IAP) Dr PR Rathinam.

Department of public health has been promoting the vaccination stating
that it is not a new one. "Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) is being
administered in private hospitals for nearly 15 years. Now, our
government is going to provide MR vaccine to protect all children from
rubella and congenital anomaly. So, there is no need to panic," said
deputy director of health services (DDHS), Trichy Dr I Raveendran.